HunterLab UltraScan PRO Colorimeter
| Brand | HunterLab |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | UltraScan PRO |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop |
| Optical Geometry | d/8° Integrating Sphere |
| Light Source | Pulsed Xenon Lamp |
| Spectral Range | 400–700 nm |
| Repeatability | ΔE*ab ≤ 0.03 |
| Compliance | ASTM E308, ISO 11664-4, CIE No. 15, USP <1061>, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (with optional audit trail module) |
Overview
The HunterLab UltraScan PRO is a high-precision benchtop colorimeter engineered for rigorous color measurement in quality control, R&D, and regulatory-compliant environments. Based on the foundational CIELAB color space—originally developed by Dr. Richard S. Hunter in 1948—the instrument delivers traceable, spectrophotometric color data using dual-beam optics and a calibrated pulsed xenon lamp. Its d/8° integrating sphere geometry ensures uniform illumination and collection of diffuse reflectance or transmittance across textured, glossy, or opaque samples, minimizing directional bias and enhancing inter-instrument agreement. Designed for laboratory-grade reproducibility, the UltraScan PRO meets the metrological requirements of ISO/IEC 17025-accredited labs and supports full spectral acquisition (10 nm resolution) at every measurement, enabling post-acquisition calculation of multiple color scales—including L*a*b*, L*C*h°, Yellowness Index (ASTM E313), Whiteness Index (ASTM E313 & CIE), and custom user-defined formulas.
Key Features
- True spectral measurement engine with 400–700 nm range and 10 nm optical bandwidth, compliant with CIE 15:2018 and ISO 11664-4
- Dual-beam optical architecture with real-time reference compensation to eliminate drift from lamp aging or thermal fluctuation
- Integrated 8° viewing angle and d/8° illuminating geometry per ASTM E1164 and ISO 7724-1, supporting SCI (Specular Component Included) and SCE (Specular Component Excluded) modes
- Automated port calibration with NIST-traceable ceramic standards; onboard diagnostics verify lamp output, detector linearity, and sphere coating integrity
- Robust industrial enclosure rated IP52, designed for continuous operation in regulated manufacturing environments (e.g., pharmaceutical, food, paint, plastics)
- Optional GLP/GMP compliance package including electronic signatures, 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail, and role-based user access control
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UltraScan PRO accommodates solid, liquid, powder, and paste samples via standardized apertures (4 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, and 25 mm) and configurable sample holders—including transmission cells, powder cups, and liquid cuvette trays. It supports measurement of translucent films, granular polymers, dairy products, pharmaceutical tablets, and coated substrates without requiring surface preparation. All optical components comply with RoHS directives and are certified to IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards. Regulatory documentation—including IQ/OQ/PQ protocols, uncertainty budgets per GUM (JCGM 100:2008), and factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST SRM 2035—is provided with each unit.
Software & Data Management
Equipped with Vision software (v5.x), the UltraScan PRO enables method-driven workflows, statistical process control (SPC) charting, and multi-instrument network synchronization. Raw spectral data (.qtx files) are stored in vendor-neutral format, exportable to CSV, XML, or ASTM E2983-compliant .cdx files. The software supports automated pass/fail evaluation against user-defined tolerances (ΔL*, Δa*, Δb*, ΔE*ab, ΔE*00), batch reporting with PDF/Excel generation, and integration with LIMS and MES systems via OPC UA or RESTful API. Audit trail functionality logs all critical events—including parameter changes, calibration actions, and result modifications—with timestamp, operator ID, and reason-for-change fields.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Tablet coating uniformity assessment per USP , excipient color consistency, and stability-indicating assays
- Food & Beverage: Tomato ripeness quantification (using ColorFlex EZ tomato index), dairy whiteness verification, and juice browning index monitoring
- Packaging: Print color fidelity validation across flexographic, gravure, and digital substrates under D65, A, and F2 illuminants
- Paint & Coatings: Batch-to-batch matching of automotive OEM finishes and architectural coatings per AATCC TM173 and ISO 18314-2
- Plastics & Polymers: Melt-color tracking during extrusion, recycled resin sorting, and UV degradation profiling
FAQ
What color spaces and indices does the UltraScan PRO calculate natively?
L*a*b*, L*C*h°, CMC (l:c), DIN99, Yellowness Index (ASTM E313 & ASTM D1925), Whiteness Index (ASTM E313, CIE, Ganz), Tint (ASTM E308), and custom user-defined equations.
Is the instrument suitable for measuring transparent liquids?
Yes—when used with the optional 10 mm or 50 mm pathlength transmission cell and zero-adjusted against deionized water or air, it meets ASTM D1209 and ISO 4630 for APHA/Pt-Co color measurement.
How often does the instrument require recalibration?
Annual NIST-traceable recalibration is recommended; however, daily verification using the included white tile and black trap satisfies ISO 9001 internal calibration requirements.
Can the UltraScan PRO be integrated into an automated production line?
Yes—via Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP, it supports real-time color feedback to PLCs and SCADA systems for closed-loop process correction in inline quality gates.
Does Vision software support multi-language interfaces and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—UI languages include English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese; Part 11 compliance requires activation of the Secure Mode license and configuration of electronic signature policies.
